1. < Sleep Health
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Insomnia. What seems to help?

Posted by terryb1 @128128terry11t, Jan 7, 2017

@josephene I am having terrible insomnia as well. Nothing seems to help. Any specific suggestions? Many thanks.

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itchyd | @itchyd | Jun 13, 2024
In reply to @rek "You and I have experienced similar projectories. For a few years in my 70's I was..." + (show)
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You and I have experienced similar projectories. For a few years in my 70's I was able to sleep well at night but only with the help of marijuana, not a lot but nightly. I knew that inhaling smoke in my lungs couldn't be a good thing, and eventually I began to have serious issues with short term memory which was actually a little scary. I also drank more than I should. So finally I just decided to quit. It seemed like the only option. And it has taken many months to find my new norm, but I think I may have it now.
My sleep now is nothing like in my younger days. I go to sleep later when I truly begin to feel sleepy, and usually I will be slightly fitful until I get up in a couple of hours, go to the bathroom and maybe even sit and read for a bit with a glass of warm milk and honey. That really does the trick though. I may get up once more for another bathroom visit but it seems to work. I don't think I get much more than 5 or 6 good hours now but that seems to be enough. Short term memory has returned and lung capacity seems to have increased. I do exercise 3 or 4 times a week with a trainer and that is absolutely necessary for a whole bunch of reasons.
It was hard to stop cold turkey and it took quite a while, many months, before I started to find the new norm. There were nights I only slept an hour or two, which resulted in naps during the day and another night of sleep problems. I recorded my sleep cycles as instructed by the Mayo sleep specialist, kept the room colder, and all those things. They all helped. I feel like I'm on a new path now, which will be tested as we start to travel more and leave home.
One final note, I no longer smoke marijuana which is great. When I did and tried to use edibles, they just didn't work at all. Now, with my cleaner habits, they are effective. So if I really need to sleep I can take a 10mg bite sized piece, and it works. I know though that if this ever became a routine habit, it would simply escalate so I am trying to stay away from that particular solution.

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Sounds like you're finding the sweet spot. Staying away from alcohol is key for me. I ditched the weed in my early 20s, but have friends who swear by it: not inhaled but eaten as brownies, gummies, etc. And others seem to benefit from CBD oil and that's great. Whatever floats your boat. My sleep's been compromised lately by a mystery ailment that causes frequent severe muscle and joint pain which has put the kibosh on my exercise routine. I'm pushing 67 and it's obvious to me that my best days are behind me, at least physically. Whoever coined the phrase " the golden years" should have his/her head examined.

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ripley | @ripley | Jun 14, 2024
In reply to @rek "You and I have experienced similar projectories. For a few years in my 70's I was..." + (show)
Profile picture for Rod @rek

You and I have experienced similar projectories. For a few years in my 70's I was able to sleep well at night but only with the help of marijuana, not a lot but nightly. I knew that inhaling smoke in my lungs couldn't be a good thing, and eventually I began to have serious issues with short term memory which was actually a little scary. I also drank more than I should. So finally I just decided to quit. It seemed like the only option. And it has taken many months to find my new norm, but I think I may have it now.
My sleep now is nothing like in my younger days. I go to sleep later when I truly begin to feel sleepy, and usually I will be slightly fitful until I get up in a couple of hours, go to the bathroom and maybe even sit and read for a bit with a glass of warm milk and honey. That really does the trick though. I may get up once more for another bathroom visit but it seems to work. I don't think I get much more than 5 or 6 good hours now but that seems to be enough. Short term memory has returned and lung capacity seems to have increased. I do exercise 3 or 4 times a week with a trainer and that is absolutely necessary for a whole bunch of reasons.
It was hard to stop cold turkey and it took quite a while, many months, before I started to find the new norm. There were nights I only slept an hour or two, which resulted in naps during the day and another night of sleep problems. I recorded my sleep cycles as instructed by the Mayo sleep specialist, kept the room colder, and all those things. They all helped. I feel like I'm on a new path now, which will be tested as we start to travel more and leave home.
One final note, I no longer smoke marijuana which is great. When I did and tried to use edibles, they just didn't work at all. Now, with my cleaner habits, they are effective. So if I really need to sleep I can take a 10mg bite sized piece, and it works. I know though that if this ever became a routine habit, it would simply escalate so I am trying to stay away from that particular solution.

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Can you provide info on the edibles you use, such as brand and strength?

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Rod | @rek | Jun 14, 2024

I think they are pretty generic. 10 mg of THC and that's it. I buy 20 mg and cut them in half.

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maryruth7 | @maryruth7 | Aug 27, 2024

Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much tried everything I tried CBTI myself , but gave up, a theapist would be better but I have not found one that take my insurance.
I was taking Ambien 5mg. for many years it was working great with know problems, my insurance now will only cover for 3 months. and will not permit me to even use my own money for them.
I am open to suggestions.

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8 replies
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maryruth7 | @maryruth7 | Aug 27, 2024
In reply to @maryruth7 "Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much..." + (show)
Profile picture for maryruth7 @maryruth7

Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much tried everything I tried CBTI myself , but gave up, a theapist would be better but I have not found one that take my insurance.
I was taking Ambien 5mg. for many years it was working great with know problems, my insurance now will only cover for 3 months. and will not permit me to even use my own money for them.
I am open to suggestions.

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I would like to know more, thank you for you response

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 27, 2024
In reply to @maryruth7 "Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much..." + (show)
Profile picture for maryruth7 @maryruth7

Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much tried everything I tried CBTI myself , but gave up, a theapist would be better but I have not found one that take my insurance.
I was taking Ambien 5mg. for many years it was working great with know problems, my insurance now will only cover for 3 months. and will not permit me to even use my own money for them.
I am open to suggestions.

Jump to this post

Hello @maryruth7, Welcome to Connect. I don't think you are alone when it comes to insomnia. We have many members here on Connect that shared their experience with insomnia and different treatments. While you wait for members to respond, you may want to scan through the different discussions, comments and newsfeed posts related to insomnia. Here is a link that lists the search results - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/.

Mayo Clinic also has a list of different treatments along with some lifestyle and home remedies suggestions here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355173. You mentioned you tried CBTI treatment yourself without a therapist but were not able to find a therapist that took your insurance. Have you tried contacting your insurance company to see if they have a list of therapists that would accept your insurance?

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1 reply
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gloaming | @gloaming | Aug 27, 2024
In reply to @maryruth7 "Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much..." + (show)
Profile picture for maryruth7 @maryruth7

Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much tried everything I tried CBTI myself , but gave up, a theapist would be better but I have not found one that take my insurance.
I was taking Ambien 5mg. for many years it was working great with know problems, my insurance now will only cover for 3 months. and will not permit me to even use my own money for them.
I am open to suggestions.

Jump to this post

"... and will not permit me to even use my own money for them."

I don't understand this statement. They cannot prevent you from seeking therapy if you are willing to pay for it. Their legal obligation is to pay per their policy for prescribed and legitimate treatments that are sanctioned by a medical professional. This is a contractual agreement between you, any co-pay, and themselves. What you do with the 'rest of your life' is of no concern to them. For example, if you have a dental plan, and never brush, they'll pay for a limited amount of treatment. When it runs out, it runs out. What you do for yourself from that point is entirely within your legal right.

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Profile picture for maryruth7
maryruth7 | @maryruth7 | Aug 27, 2024
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @maryruth7, Welcome to Connect. I don't think you are alone when it comes to insomnia...." + (show)
Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

Hello @maryruth7, Welcome to Connect. I don't think you are alone when it comes to insomnia. We have many members here on Connect that shared their experience with insomnia and different treatments. While you wait for members to respond, you may want to scan through the different discussions, comments and newsfeed posts related to insomnia. Here is a link that lists the search results - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/.

Mayo Clinic also has a list of different treatments along with some lifestyle and home remedies suggestions here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355173. You mentioned you tried CBTI treatment yourself without a therapist but were not able to find a therapist that took your insurance. Have you tried contacting your insurance company to see if they have a list of therapists that would accept your insurance?

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I got a lot of helpful information from the site you sent, much of the suggestions I have tried. Even asking my insurance for a list of CBTI therapist I get transferred to another
Person no one ever picks up the phone, the recording tell me to go on line, I haven't found anyone in my city Jacksonville Fl. All want cash. One place wanted $300 a month. I will keep trying.
Thank you.

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rozy288 | @rozy288 | Aug 27, 2024
In reply to @maryruth7 "Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much..." + (show)
Profile picture for maryruth7 @maryruth7

Can anyone give me some ideas how I can overcome Chronic insomnia, I have pretty much tried everything I tried CBTI myself , but gave up, a theapist would be better but I have not found one that take my insurance.
I was taking Ambien 5mg. for many years it was working great with know problems, my insurance now will only cover for 3 months. and will not permit me to even use my own money for them.
I am open to suggestions.

Jump to this post

Go to your insurance website and type in Mental Health providers or Therapists .
They should have a list of providers that are on your plan in your area .
I take 10 mg Ambien ( I break in half and tahe it 4 hrs apart now ) for a lot of years. I hear Lunesta keeps you asleep longer . I may switch.
Good luck .

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1 reply
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maryruth7 | @maryruth7 | Aug 27, 2024
In reply to @rozy288 "Go to your insurance website and type in Mental Health providers or Therapists . They should..." + (show)
Profile picture for rozy288 @rozy288

Go to your insurance website and type in Mental Health providers or Therapists .
They should have a list of providers that are on your plan in your area .
I take 10 mg Ambien ( I break in half and tahe it 4 hrs apart now ) for a lot of years. I hear Lunesta keeps you asleep longer . I may switch.
Good luck .

Jump to this post

I ❤️ Ambien, I have read how some people hate it, I tried
The generic for Lunesta/eszopiclone only 1mg. I got better sleep but it caused ringing in my ears, also I didn't have that refreshed feeling the next morning I was sleepy a good part of the day even after drinking coffee. We all are so different chemically. I hope it works better for you.

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